Essential 5 - John Lennon

What can really be said of John Lennon that has not been said before. The man is a music legend and one hundred years from now we will still be talking about him. There is no denying that his work with The Beatles is the main reason for this but Lennon also had a short and fruitful career as a solo artist/activist until his untimely death in 1980. 

His many incarnations during the 1970's gave way to many politically charged songs, each with its own beauty, story and each with its own transcendental purpose. Of course the most famous of these and with good reason is Imagine. It is also the most known of Lennon's songs. Because of this, I will not include it on my essential 5. The following songs fit that mold and some might say even improve upon it. Listen for yourself and get to know one of the few working class heroes of our time. 

5. Just Like Starting Over - Double Fantasy (1980)

4. Oh Yoko - Imagine (1971)




3. Jealous Guy - Imagine (1971)




2. Woman - Double Fantasy (1980)




1. Instant Karma - Apple Records Single (1970)




Honorable Mentions

Cold Turkey - Plastic Ono Band Single (1969)
Watching The Wheels - Double Fantasy (1980)
Love - John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Borrowed Time - Milk and Honey (1984)